FIVE ALBUMS TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR

Review by: Sean Kayden

Ra Ra Riot – “Beta Love” - Ra Ra Riot is gearing up for their third LP this January.  The title track “Beta Love” is pure infectious synth-pop. It’s sugary sweet with a killer falsetto to boot. While the track is undeniably the most synth driven tune from the band, it could be their ticket to break out into the mainstream world. With danceable beats, contagious hooks, and a highly produced sound, Ra Ra Riot may be destined from being the under-the-radar opening band to full fledge headliners by springtime.

“Beta Love” is out 1/22/13 on Barsuk.

Local Natives – “Hummingbird” – Probably the most well known band off this list (seeing how they’ve been played on KROQ), Local Natives return with their sophomore album in nearly three years. After the release of their out of nowhere stellar debut, “Gorilla Manor” back in 2010, the boys from Los Angeles seemed destined for infinite stardom. While the buzz may have cooled off for a bit giving this long hiatus between records, it seems Local Natives were keen on avoiding the sophomore slump with this new record entitled, “Hummingbird.” The first single, “Breakers” is Local Natives at their absolute best. A soaring track that starts with a 30 second intro of howling guitars and catchy drums beats before it explodes with grand arrangements accompanied by “oohs” to fiercely escalate it to new heights. It slows down a bit and the vocals kick in, but it’s the chorus that brings the song to into a freshly new environment. “Breakers” is a stunning first single that clearly validates the boys’ long lull between records. If the rest of the album shapes up to be like this, Local Natives could very well be headlining beyond their accustomed small club settings.

“Hummingbird” is out 1/29 via Frenchkiss.

Guards – “In Guards We Trust”- “In Guards We Trust” will be the debut album from NYC indie power pop rockers, Guards. Lead singer Richie Follin’s sister Madeline Follin performs in the ever increasing in popularity duo, Cults. While it’s difficult not to bring up Cults when talking about Guards, Follin’s band is rather different. With his longing vocals, 60s inspired rock melodies, and shimmering array of grunge meets psych rock arrangements, Guards hit the notes of generations before them as well as carving a new path for 2013. Be sure to check out the sure fire hit “Ready To Go.” It’s just one of many gems from the band’s assortment of summery tunes.

“In Guards We Trust” is out 2/5/13 on Velvet Vision/Black Bell Records.

Foals – “Holy Fire” - Foals’ long awaited third album will debut this February. Their second single, “My Number” is a sizzling track from beginning to end. A pure pop song that is so bouncy, so intoxicating you’ll be dancing and singing along to the instantaneously catchy line, “You don't have my number/ And we don't need each other now.” There’s a certain edge to this song, a funky tune if you will. With merely seconds into it, you’ll be instantly moving and grooving to what could be the most indelible indie pop song of the year.

“Holy Fire” is out 2/12/13 on Warner Bros.

Beach Fossils – “Clash The Truth” – Beach Fossils’ sophomore record, “Clash The Truth” drops on February 19^th 2013. The first single “Careless” is in the usual style Beach Fossils is known for—jangly pop, effortless tonal shifts, and fast guitars. This time however, lead singer Dustin Payseur’s vocal are more in the forefront of the song rather than distorted in the background like with many songs found on their solid debut record. It’s great to see the band expanding their tight sound and not retreading the same territory as their previous record. At any rate, if this is any indication of how the full-length album will sound like, we may just have a front-runner for best album of 2013.

“Clash The Truth” is out 2/19/13 on Captured Tracks.

Published by Mountain Views News on January 12, 2013
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